APD | Philippine government appreciates immediate action from Thai officials

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, Oct. 28 (APD) – The Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed its appreciation to their counterparts in Thailand for the arrest of a motorist said to be involved in the fatal crash of Filipino cyclist Russel Perez.

The Department of Foreign Affairs was informed of the arrest of one Chutiphan Buddaweing, now in Thai police custody as formal charges have been filed.

Philippine Ambassador to Bangkok Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon said the suspect will face charges of reckless driving causing death and damage, use of illegal drugs, failure to help his victim and inform authorities of the incident and running through a red light.

Ambassador Bernardo-Aragon personally expressed condolences to the Perez family and assured them justice will be served.

Perez died while being brought to the hospital for the injuries he sustained shortly after he was struck by Buddaweing’s vehicle. The Filipino was competing at the Audax Randonneurs Thailand cycling event in Bangkok last October 23.

The remains arrived in Manila last Friday morning, October 26. The Embassy will continue to monitor the case and provide needed assistance to the family, according to the DFA statement released Sunday afternoon.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)